HJR 519 is a joint resolution honoring Officer Robert A. Jackson, Jr., the last officer of the Tennessee Capitol Police, for his over 30 years of service. Signed by the Governor on April 15, 2025, the resolution recognizes his military career in the U.S. Air Force and his distinguished law enforcement work, expressing gratitude for his dedication to public safety in Tennessee. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges his retirement through a ceremonial expression of appreciation.
HB 328 requires Tennessee state parks to offer veterans who are Tennessee residents the same discounts for activities, camping, lodging, and retail purchases as those provided to state employees. It specifically mandates a year-round 50% discount on camping and cabin fees for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability (verified by the VA), subject to availability and reservations made within 30 days. Veterans must provide proof of residency and VA disability status to qualify for the 50% discount, while standard veteran discounts require only proof of veteran status and residency. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all state parks managed under Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 11, Chapter 3.
SB 1017 allows eligible disabled veterans in Tennessee to use a free parking placard instead of a special license plate for parking purposes. Veterans who qualify for a free license plate under existing law (TCA § 55-4-256) may apply for a free placard, while those already issued a free license plate can obtain a placard by paying the standard $20 fee. The placard must be displayed as directed and can be used in place of the license plate when parking. This policy change, effective July 1, 2026, directly affects disabled veterans who currently receive free license plates or qualify for them.
HB 790 amends Tennessee law to allow honorably discharged National Guard members to receive a "veteran" designation on their driver's licenses. It directly affects National Guard members who provide documentation like a DD-256 discharge certificate or NGB Form 22 confirming an honorable discharge. The bill adds National Guard members to the existing definition of "veteran" for license designation under TCA §55-50-354 and specifies the required documents. This change took effect on April 3, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.
This House Joint Resolution (HJR 332) is a commemorative resolution honoring retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Phyllis Ann Fitzgerald for her 21-year military service and subsequent civilian work supporting veterans. It specifically recognizes her roles as an intelligence analyst (including during Desert Shield/Desert Storm), her leadership as executive director of the Society of the First Infantry Division, and her community service in Kansas. The resolution formally commends her contributions during Women's History Month, highlighting her as a model of dedication and service. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.
SB 528 amends Tennessee law to require the Bureau of Parks and Conservation to designate **at least one free day annually** for all veterans at state parks, campgrounds, and golf courses - replacing the previous requirement of exactly one fixed day. This change directly affects **all veterans** in Tennessee who use state park facilities. The key provision shifts the requirement from a single, unchangeable day to a flexible annual designation, allowing the bureau to select one or more days as needed. The bill maintains that access and use of all state park amenities must remain free for veterans on the designated day(s), with no new costs or eligibility changes specified.
SJR 44 is a commemorative resolution honoring the 1175th Transportation Company, Tennessee Army National Guard, for their service during a 2023-2024 deployment to the U.S. Southwest Border. It specifically recognizes 125 soldiers who provided reconnaissance support under Federal Order RFA 2024, aiding U.S. Border Patrol operations in McAllen, Texas, while under the command of Captain Everett Miller and 1st Sergeant Cyrus Shores. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's gratitude for their "meritorious service" and "selfless commitment" to the nation and state. As a symbolic gesture (not a law with policy changes), it has no direct effect on individuals or policies beyond formal recognition. The resolution was signed by both chambers and the Governor on March 4, 2025.
SJR 85 is a commemorative resolution honoring four Tennessee brothers - Thomas Harvel, Ernest Melvin, Arie Gafford, and Arthur Preston Donaldson - who served simultaneously in the U.S. military during the Korean War (a record for that conflict). The resolution commends their service after they were posthumously awarded South Korea’s Ambassador for Peace Medal in August 2024 for their contributions to peace. It directly affects the Donaldson family and Dickson County, Tennessee, by formally recognizing their legacy. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or alter policies.
HB 214 allows Tennessee school districts and public charter schools to hire retired law enforcement officers (from federal, state, or local agencies) and honorably discharged U.S. military veterans as school resource officers (SROs). The bill requires school boards and charter school governing bodies to adopt written policies outlining SRO duties, authority, and privacy compliance, including adherence to FERPA and other privacy laws. It also mandates that SROs complete 40 hours of approved school policing training and specifies conditions for carrying firearms on school grounds.
